Adoptee Cultural Exchange in Spain!
In our years processing adoptions and running heritage tours, we have often been asked what it is like for Chinese adoptees in other areas around the world. So we created our Adoptee Cultural Exchange Program, A.C.E.
This exchange program provides Chinese adoptees a chance to explore their heritage and meet other children who have the same life experiences as they do all within the safe confines of a host family who also adopted a child from China.
All the American girls are very well integrated in their families and they get along really well with the Spanish girls. They are becoming very good friends.
Each family is doing different things in different parts of Spain: they are going to the beach, to the swimming pool, to the mountains, doing cultural visits… They really want the girls to have fun and enjoy their stay in our country.
Our Program Coordinator in Spain
This is one of the most unique cultural exchange and heritage tour opportunities available for a Chinese adoptee, and we are the only U.S. agency currently offering this opportunity.
Connecting to Cultural Heritage with Hosting
Connecting children with their cultural heritage can be so helpful for children and your family. A great place to start is at home, and what better way than to host an exchange student!
Meet the Wynn Family!
Last year, we hosted Iris- a 17 year old student from China. We were lucky because she was able to teach us all about China and shared so much joy with us! It was especially exciting for us because our daughter and son are adopted from China! Iris was able to teach us to cook some dishes, share some Chinese traditions with us, and introduce us to the Chinese community in our city!
She was wonderful to host and we had an incredible year with her and were able to share things we loved with her too! She joined a basketball team and did very well in school. We are so thankful that Iris shared such a special relationship with our children. She was like a mentor and our daughter especially looked up to Iris. We took her trick-or-treating, on road trips to the beach, shared all of our holidays and celebrations with her and our kids loved to play with her!
Host families should offer their students a place to sleep, 3 meals a day, and support as they adjust to their new school. While exchange students are expected to have a reasonable command of English, adjusting to classes does take a little time and families should be patient and resourceful to help their students. Overall it is a very rewarding experience, and I highly recommend everyone to check it out- even if only for a few months or a semester to start off. What a fun way to bring culture into your home!
Ms. Wynn, host parent with Student Ambassador Exchange
Hosting an exchange student is a great way to connect over shared and new experiences. Students come to the US to study at a US public high school, and live with host families. These students are ambassadors in their host communities. Students are encouraged to share their country, and culture with their host family and their community. Plus, Great Wall China offers its own program called Student Ambassador Exchange!
Students are from nations all over the world and are between 14-18 years old and have a wide variety of interests. Students are selected for the Student Ambassador Exchange Program based on their academics and comprehensive English abilities.
Host Families can host for a few months, a semester or a full school year.
And there are NO application fees or direct costs for hosting! The only things host families have to provide exchange students are:
- A bed in a shared room, with a child of the same gender or in their own room.
- Three meals a day. (Students bring their own money to cover meals when going out)
- Transportation to school and activities if a school bus is unavailable.
- A supportive and caring home.
Start your hosting journey today by meeting our exchange students and filling out our FREE, NO COST application and you can bring cultural exchange home to you!
Spread The Love
Did you know there are over 600,000 orphans in China?
That number is staggering. Many of these children are labeled “Special Needs”. This means they likely have a health or medical diagnosis, whether it be minor or more severe. These children are the ones who are eligible for international adoption, and they are all deserving of loving homes.
We are overjoyed about helping match so many families with these children, and now we get to see them thrive in families who give them the love and support they need. We want to see more children experience this!
If you would like more information on China adoption please contact us at info@gwca.org or call 512-323-9595 to speak with a counselor.
We Found Our Families
We are very excited to announce that families are working to adopt Nina and Noah! We are so happy for these precious kids and their new families, and we can’t wait to follow their journey home. Congratulations from all of us at GWCA and CAN! Also, thank you to everyone who advocated for these children to help find their forever families!
China Adoption – Special Focus
Since these children were considered Special Focus, our China matching specialists were able to advocate for them on our Waiting Child photo listing. Once their families reviewed their files, they were able to submit their paperwork to be matched with them right away, rather than having to wait until after their dossier had been submitted. All of the kids whose profiles are currently on our photo listing have the same designation of “Special Focus,” meaning families can be matched with them even if they’re just beginning the adoption process.
If you’re interested in learning how you can be matched with one of our Waiting Children, contact our matching specialists or visit our China adoption photo listing today!
Resources:
– Learn more about China adoption
– Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact a China adoption specialist!
10 New Kids on the Block
Meet Mabel
Mabel is a precious 10-year-old girl who was born with a facial hemangioma and cerebral palsy. However, the facial hemangioma doesn’t affect her daily life, and she can do most self-care tasks by herself. She’s a quiet and sweet girl who’s polite! Mabel loves to sing and dance with her friends. To learn more about her, request her file today!
Meet Gus
Gus is a sweet 3-year-old boy who was born with a malformation in his left eye. He’s very bright and self-independent. He’s also active, outgoing, and gets along well with others. His caretakers say he’s a healthy boy who has developed well, and they hope he finds his forever family soon! To learn more about Gus, request his file today!
Meet Roman
Roman is an adorable 1-year-old boy who was born with clubbed feet. However, he received surgery for it and has recovered well! He’s currently learning to walk and can almost say “mama.” Roman is friendly, extroverted, and gets along well with others (even to new people). To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Shiloh
Shiloh is a precious 6-year-old girl who was born with Down syndrome. However, she’s made a lot of progress in the last year and can complete some self-care tasks! She’s described as shy and quiet. Despite that, she gets along very well with other children. To learn more about her, request her file today!
Meet Tristan
Tristan is an adorable 3-year-old who was born with clubbed feet and a condition that affects his joints. Despite that, he can walk on his own and does well in physical therapy. He’s an incredibly cheerful child who loves to play with other kids and join in social activities. To learn more about Tristan, request his file today!
Meet Troy
Troy is a sweet 6-year-old boy who’s slightly delayed compared to his peers, but he would thrive with the support of a forever family! He’s self-independent and can say a few words like “mom” and “dad.” He’s very comfortable and outgoing with familiar people. Troy loves to cuddle, dance, and watch cartoons. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Gavin
Gavin is a precious 5-year-old boy who was born with CHD. He’s an easygoing and self-independent boy who gets along well with other kids. He loves to play games with his friends. He’s also close with his nanny and likes to follow her around and help her. To learn more about Gavin, request his file today!
Meet Grayson
Grayson is an active and happy 6-year-old boy who was born with epilepsy. However, he takes medication for seizures, and they appear to be under control. He’s been living with a foster family since 2012 and has developed well since then! He enjoys taking care of the younger children in the home and is very polite. To learn more about Grayson, request his file today!
Meet Blake
Blake is an adorable 6-year-old boy who was born with a cleft lip and palate and some missing digits. However, he’s doing very well developmentally and is active and energetic! He’s outgoing, social, and loves to play games with other kids. To learn more about Blake, request his file today!
Meet Ryan
Ryan is a sweet 6-year-old boy who was born with cataracts. However, his vision needs do not affect his motor skills or self-care ability. He’s well-articulated, well-behaved, and outgoing! Ryan gets along very well with his peers and is talkative! He loves music and often participates in his school’s performances. To learn more about Ryan, request his file today!
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
Evie Is GWCA’s New Sponsored Star
Meet our new Sponsored Star for March, Evie! She’s an adorable 2-year-old girl in need of a forever family. Evie was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect; however, she received surgery for it. She’s active and loves to play with other kids! Evie loves to give her caretakers and friends hugs and kisses. Watch this cute video of Evie playing with her toys!
As our Sponsored Star for March, Evie has a $2,000 grant available towards her adoption fees! Could you or someone you know be Evie’s forever family? If you’re interested in learning more about her, visit our photo listing or contact our matching specialists today!
What is a Sponsored Star?
On the 1st of each month, Great Wall China Adoption will feature one of our Waiting Children as our monthly “Sponsored Star!” That child will be provided a $2,000 grant towards their adoption fees while they are a Sponsored Star, which lasts for two months. Each of the kiddos selected is a Special Focus child, meaning they have not found their Forever Family yet due to their age or the degree of their needs. Together, we can find loving homes for these precious kids!
We encourage any families interested in learning more about our Sponsored Star of the Month to visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing, or contact our China Matching Specialists to learn how you can be matched today. Check back on the first of each month to meet the newest featured child!
Resources
– Learn more about China adoption
– Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact a China adoption specialist
Sending Love with Care Packages
Some of the children in our China adoption program recently received a wonderful surprise from their soon-to-be families- our Connecting Hearts care package! While adoptive families get to put a face to their child once they’re matched, the children who are being adopted often are unaware of their family until shortly before they arrive. By sending care packages, our families have the opportunity to let their child know that someone in the world is thinking of them!
Here are some photos of an adorable kiddo enjoying gifts from his forever family:
Are you adopting from our China program? Our Connecting Hearts Care Package includes a camera so your child can bring home photo memories with them, a decorated cake, stuffed animals, a pillow with your family picture, and more. To learn more about our care packages, visit our Legacy Journey amenities!
If you’re not adopting but want to send love to kids in the orphanage, you can order a cake package to brighten up their day! The kids are so happy whenever they discover that a special cake was gifted to them, and you’ll receive photos of them enjoying it. The kiddo below was super excited to receive a birthday cake and celebrate with his friends! For more information, contact mallory@gwca.org today.
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
A Family for Leo
Leo is a sweet boy that is near and dear to our hearts! He’s 8 years old and is in need of a family to call his own. Leo was previously hosted in the United States in 2016 and made leaps and bounds since then! He made incredible progress with his strength, learning capacity, and English.
Leo is incredibly adaptable and resilient. Amazingly, he’s been able to adjust to any situation he’s given and develops trusting relationships with adults and kids. He leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets! Also, he giggles often and has a big belly laugh that will bring a lot of joy to his forever family.
His medical need is unclear at this time, but CT scans indicate that he has a brain need. However, Leo is a bright and smart boy who would be a wonderful addition to any family. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about him, please contact our Adoption Specialist Alexandra at alexandra@gwca.org or 512-323-9595 ext. 3032.
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
10 New Kids on the Block
Meet Payton
Payton is a precious 2-year-old girl who was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, which she received surgery for and recovered well. Payton has been described as a quiet and obedient girl who gets along well with others. She likes to clap her hands, play with toys, and give hugs! She gets a big smile on her face when she is being teased. To learn more about Payton and watch her video, request her file today!
Meet Trevor
Trevor is a sweet 2-year-old boy who was born with CHD and Cri-du-chat syndrome. He can sit up by himself and crawl short distances. His favorite activity is being held by his caretakers, and he enjoys playing with toys. Trevor needs a loving family who can provide him with the resources he needs to thrive! To learn more about Trevor, request his file today!
Meet Maisey
Maisey is an adorable little girl who is 6 years old. Maisey was born with cerebral palsy and currently has some developmental delays compared to her peers. Her caretakers describe her has being extroverted and happy! She likes to smile and say hello to people. Maisey gets along very well with other children, and she loves being around them. To learn more about Maisey, request her file today!
Meet Chance
Chance is an adorable 3-year-old boy who was born with Down syndrome. Chance is a happy kiddo who is very affectionate and obedient. He is also super helpful around the orphanage with housework tasks. He loves to play with toys with other kiddos, watch cartoons, and listen to music! To learn more about this sweet little boy, request his file today!
Meet Evie
Evie is an adorable 2-year-old girl who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect that she has received surgery for. Evie is active, cute, and loves to play. She has formed an attachment with her teachers and interacts with them very well. Evie loves to give her caretakers and friends kisses and hugs! To learn more about this sweet little girl, request her file today!
Meet Anthony
Anthony is a sweet and active 5-year-old boy who was born with Down syndrome. Anthony is self-independent and very helpful around the orphanage! He always helps clean up. Anthony attends school within the orphanage, and his favorite class is music. He loves to play outside and watch cartoons. To learn more about Anthony, request his file today!
Meet Marissa
Marissa is an adorable 2-year-old girl who was born with Cri-du-chat syndrome and a congenital heart defect, which she received surgery for and recovered well. She has an easy temperament and rarely cries. She loves to be held and cuddled by her caregiver! Marissa has been described as a quiet, obedient, and active little girl who likes to play with other kids. To learn more her and watch her video, request her file today!
Meet Sam
Sam is a precious 6-year-old boy who is delayed compared to his peers, but he would thrive in the care of his forever family! He is shy around strangers but is very cuddly and affectionate with his caregivers. He feels very secure when he’s in their care and laughs happily. Sam is very active and likes to play chase with other kiddos in the orphanage. To learn more about Sam, request his file today!
Meet Caroline
Caroline is an adorable one-year-old girl who has Down syndrome. She has been described as a quiet, obedient, and extroverted little girl who has a striking smile and good temperament. Caroline loves to hug and cuddle with her caregiver! She loves uplifting music and she starts to smile and dance whenever she hears it playing. To learn more Caroline and watch her video, request her file today!
Meet Hudson
Hudson is a precious 1-year-old boy who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect that he has received surgery for. Hudson is a cheerful, happy, and enthusiastic little boy. He loves to interact with others and frequently wants to be in the center of all the action! He likes to give hugs and smile at his caretakers. He is especially fond of toys with music. To learn more about Hudson, request his file today!
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
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